Study: Parents don't lead by example when behind the wheel

By
Josée Paquet ,
2014-08-07

A new U.S. study published by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) shows that teenagers are not the only culprits when it comes to making risky decisions behind the wheel. Parents actually commit the same violations they warn their kids against.

What dangerous — and in some cases, illegal — driving behaviours are we talking about exactly? Here they are:

Talking on cell phone while driving: 86%

Speeding: 80%

Texting while driving: 40%

Driving after consuming alcohol: 34%

Driving without a seat belt: 21%

What's even more alarming is that 83% of teens say their parents engage in unsafe driving behaviours with them in the car, and 41% report that their parents do not change their driving habits when asked to do so.

Some parents just don't want to admit that they're bad drivers. According to the study, 58% of teenagers say they have witnessed their parents texting while driving, but just 40% of parents plead guilty.

Do as I say, don't do as I do? That couldn't be more true in this case, it seems.

What about you? Are you a bad example for your kids when you take the wheel?